'Tis the Season to Fundraise
- Gold Athletics
- 5 days ago
- 3 min read
Holiday Fundraising: Best Products & Campaigns to End the Year Strong
The spirit of generosity is in full swing. It’s the holiday season, and that means one thing: it’s prime time to fundraise. From local schools and athletic programs to community organizations, November and December offer the perfect opportunity to connect with supporters while everyone’s in the giving — and shopping — mood.
With shoppers flocking to local stores and families searching for meaningful gifts and causes to support, the holidays create a golden window for programs to raise money and spread cheer. That’s why Gold Athletics has tailored fundraisers designed to thrive during this festive season — easy to run, highly profitable, and full of holiday spirit.
Why Holiday Fundraising Works
It’s more than just timing — it’s psychology. The holidays naturally inspire people to give back. Whether it’s to support a child’s team, their old high school, or a beloved coach, people want to be part of something positive as the year ends.
For businesses, the increased foot traffic means more exposure, which makes Gold Athletics’ Gold Card a win-win. Supporters receive discounts at local merchants just when they need them most, and teams get the funding boost they need to finish strong.
Plus, the holiday break is the perfect time to tap into your broader community — think alumni, family, and neighbors — all eager to give a gift that gives back.
Best Holiday Fundraising Products
🏆 1. Gold Card — Local Deals That Spark Joy
There’s nothing like supporting local and saving money during the busiest shopping season of the year. The Gold Card is packed with discounts to local restaurants, retailers, and services — a dream for holiday shoppers. And yes, it fits perfectly into a stocking.
Even better? Every Gold Card comes with access to the GoldDeals+ app, which means supporters can cash in on savings whether they’re in town or on the go.
👉 Real highlight: Wayland Swimming & Diving made a splash last season with $27,475 raised through Gold Cards alone!
🍖 2. Jerky Fundraiser — Flavor-Packed & Gift-Ready
Holiday shoppers love unique, practical gifts — and Gold Athletics’ Jerky Fundraiser delivers. With popular flavors like Teriyaki, Hot & Spicy, and Sweet BBQ, these snack packs are perfect for stocking stuffers, holiday gift baskets, or winter sports fuel.
The results speak for themselves:
Niskayuna Football raised $21,967 with Jerky and Gold Rush donations combined.
McCann Tech Football brought in $11,957 the same way.
With its long shelf life and easy portability, jerky is the unsung hero of winter fundraising.
🍿 3. Popcorn Fundraiser — Cozy Comfort in Every Bag
Nothing says “holiday season” like a cozy movie night — and nothing goes better with that than popcorn. From sweet caramel to savory cheddar, this snack fundraiser is a seasonal favorite. Plus, it’s a hit at winter tournaments, holiday events, and team parties.
Want to level up? Bundle your popcorn with artisan nuts or freeze-dried candy for a gift set that’s as thoughtful as it is delicious.
💻 4. Gold Rush Donation Campaign — Give the Gift of Support
Short on time? Looking for something digital? The Gold Rush Donation Campaign is the go-to for online giving. Supporters can donate from anywhere with just a few taps — ideal for end-of-year giving and tax-deductible donations.
It’s also perfect for those last-minute supporters who want to make an impact but don’t need a product in return.
👉 Real highlight: Concord Wrestling brought in $19,650 through a combo of Gold Cards and Gold Rush donations.
Tips for Coaches & Coordinators
Want to end the year strong? Here’s how to make your holiday fundraiser a success:
Plan early: The most successful teams launch before Thanksgiving to get ahead of the holiday rush. This gives your fundraiser a head start while families are still in planning (and spending) mode.
Keep it quick: A 7–14 day fundraising window creates a sense of urgency and keeps your team focused. Short, intense campaigns tend to generate more momentum and higher participation.
Use Auto-Texting: With Gold Athletics' built-in Auto-Texting feature, it's easier than ever to get your fundraiser link directly into supporters' hands. Early sharing leads to quicker sales and broader reach.
Promote the “support local” message: Remind your community that their support goes beyond just raising money — they're also backing local businesses and creating a ripple effect of impact. That connection is powerful, especially during the holidays.
Make the Most of the Season
The holidays are about connection, generosity, and celebration. With Gold Athletics, your team can tap into all three — raising the funds you need while giving back to the people who support you.
Whether it’s a Gold Card, a jerky bundle, or a last-minute Gold Rush donation, holiday fundraising has never been more profitable — or more meaningful.
🎁 Start your holiday fundraiser today: https://www.goldathletics.net/contact
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